WINNIPEG, MB – The Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) conducted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 24, 2020 utilizing video conferencing involving the league office and the eleven member teams.
“These are unique times, however the leadership, positivity and professionalism shown from each MJHL Governor under these circumstances is to be commended,” Kevin Saurette, MJHL Commissioner explained.
Below are highlights from the AGM as well as initiatives that will be in place as the league prepares for the upcoming season of exciting MJHL Hockey.
Commissioner Update
After 18 years as Commissioner of the MJHL, Kim Davis officially punched the clock one last time on June 30 to make way for incoming Commissioner, Kevin Saurette, who served as the MJHL’s Director of Operations for the past four seasons.
Kim’s dedication, integrity, leadership, commitment, countless hours of hard work and everything in between has brought the MJHL to where it is today.
Twenty-Year Old Players
Member clubs will be permitted to roster a maximum of six (6) 20 year-old players for the 2020 – 2021 season.
2020/21 Schedule Update
The 2020/21 MJHL Season is currently being finalized with an expected start date of Friday, September 25th – Stay tuned for the full schedule release in the coming weeks.
MJHL Return to Play – Phase I Guidelines
On June 19th, the MJHL submitted a Return to Play (RTP) – Phase I Guidelines for review by the Provincial Health Authorities – Return to Sport Review Committee and Sport Manitoba. The RTP Guidelines were approved on June 26th effective immediately.
The RTP Guidelines allow teams the opportunity to plan, promote and return to sanctioned summer activity in preparation for the upcoming season as it relates to Off-Ice Training Sessions/On-Ice Practice Sessions/Prospect Camps/Development Camps, etc while following all necessary safety guidelines as outlined – Players, coaches, managers, staff, training staff and medical personnel employed by, affiliated with or invited by a MJHL team or the MJHL may attend a facility for the purposes of off-ice training activity and on-ice activity.
Return To Play – PHASE II Guidelines will be presented for review in the coming weeks in which will include our full plan for return to hockey in September.
Rookie of the Year – Kim Davis Trophy
The MJHL had one of its major individual player awards that required naming. As such, the award and trophy for the league’s top rookie going forward will be named in honour of outgoing 18-year MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis.
HockeyTech Agreement
The MJHL has entered into a new 5-year agreement with HockeyTech which includes their full suite of leading-edge hockey-related technologies, analytics and HockeyTV broadcast platform. Stay tuned for the full announcement.
2020 MJHL Prospect Development Camp
After three very successful MJHL Prospect Development Camps, the MJHL is proud to announce that the 2020 MJHL Prospect Development Camp will take place once again this summer in Winnipeg at the impressive Seven Oaks Arena Complex from July 23rd – 25th.
The MJHL Prospect Development Camp provides the next generation of MJHL Players with the knowledge and resources to be successful both on and off the ice, an experience of what MJHL Hockey is all about, an opportunity to work with top level coaches and players and the platform to showcase themselves to coaches and scouts from all levels.
The camp is by invite only geared towards current MJHL Prospects born in the years 2003 and 2004 who are eligible to play in the MJHL for the upcoming 2020/21 season.
Department of Player Safety
The MJHL Department of Player Safety (DOPS) will continue to apply strict disciplinary and education measures to ensure players can play in an appropriate on-ice environment to support the successful development of our athletes. The DOPS will be responsible for visiting each team during their training camps in order to review and set expectations of compliance to the Junior A Supplement in its entirety with the players and coaching staff.
Team Personnel Code of Conduct
The MJHL has instituted a mandatory Team Personnel Code of Conduct which identifies the standard of behaviour which is expected of all MJHL Team Personnel. This is in addition to all hockey staff members who have in person contact with players having a completed criminal record check (CRC) for the upcoming season.
The purpose of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) Code of Conduct (the “Code”) is to ensure a safe and positive environment within MJHL programs, activities and events by making individuals aware that there is an expectation, at all times both on and off the ice, of appropriate behavior consistent with the MJHL’s core values. The MJHL and its Member Clubs are committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and in an environment free from bullying, harassment and abuse.
This Code applies to all Member Team Personnel while they are affiliated in any capacity with the MJHL including without limitation, while they are participating in any MJHL Program.
Stay tuned for more exciting announcements as we progress through the summer.
ABOUT THE MJHL
The Manitoba Junior Hockey League is one of ten Junior ‘A’ Hockey Leagues in Canada and is a proud member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) – Our goal is to develop elite players and ultimately have them develop into elite citizens who make a positive contribution to their community. To provide fans, communities and supporters with the best possible hockey product through dedication to improvement in all areas of the game both on and off the ice.
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide each MJHL player with an elite hockey development experience with a strong emphasis on education and positive citizenship. To deliver exciting Junior ‘A’ hockey action to fans throughout the province and enhance Manitoba communities in the spirit of sports excellence and goodwill.
